EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME

HYPERMOBILITY TYPE
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type is a connective tissue disorder that mostly
affects the bones and joints. People with this condition have loose joints and frequently
have long-term joint pain.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
hypermobility type is a
connective tissue disorder
that predominantly aects
the skeletal system.

What other names do people use for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

hypermobility type?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type is also known as Ehlers-Danlos
syndrome Type III, Ehlers-Danlos Type 3, and EDS hypermobility type.

How prevalent is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type?

It is estimated that 1 in 5,00020,000 people have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
hypermobility type.

What are the characteristics of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

hypermobility type?
Characteristics range from mild, such as loose joints, to severe, such as functional bowel disorders and incisional hernias. The joints and skin are most
commonly aected. Joints may have a wide range of movement (hypermobility),
be unstable, and tend to move out of place (dislocate) frequently. The shoulder,
knee, and jaw are some of the joints that dislocate most often. The skin of a
person with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type is often soft or velvety
and may be easily stretched and overly exible (hyperextensible), although
this is variable.

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What causes Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type?

The exact cause of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type is not known; however, a small percentage of the time it is believed to be caused by a change (mutation) in the TNXB gene (tenascin-X).
Most people diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type inherit it from a parent
who also has the condition. It is an autosomal dominant condition; therefore, only one parent needs
to have a change in the gene that causes the disorder in order to pass it on. With each pregnancy,
there is a 50 percent chance of passing it to the child.

How is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based entirely on a clinical evaluation and family history. The clinical evaluation is done
by a medical professional who looks for the major and minor criteria required to make the diagnosis.
Genetic testing and prenatal genetic testing are available on a limited basis for TNXB mutations,
but only if the disease-causing mutation has been identied in a family member.
The major diagnostic criteria are:

Joint hypermobility

Ability to bend your pinky nger backwards towards your wrist (passive dorsiexion)
greater than 90

Ability to push your thumb to your wrist (passive apposition)

Hyperextension of each elbow greater than 10

Hyperextension of each knee greater than 10

Ability to place the palms on the oor with the knees fully extended

Soft skin with normal or only slightly increased extensibility

Absence of fragility or other signicant skin or soft tissue abnormalities

Fleshy, heaped-up growths or patches of skin that do not resemble the area that surrounds it
(molluscoid pseudotumors), associated with scars over pressure points such as the elbows and
knees

Surgical complications, such as incisional hernia or wound dehiscence (sutures tearing through
tissues and failing to hold)

The minor criteria include:

Positive family history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type (or family history of joint
laxity), without signicant skin or soft tissue weakness, in a pattern consistent with autosomal
dominant inheritance

Recurrent joint dislocations (joint moves out of place) or subluxations (restricted movement of
the joint)

Chronic joint, limb, and/or back pain

Easy bruising

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Functional bowel disorders (functional gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome)

A feeling of faintness after long periods of standing, being in a warm environment, immediately
after exercise, after a large meal, or in stressful situations which is caused by low blood pressure
(neurally mediated hypotension) or an excessive heart rate upon standing up (postural orthostatic
tachycardia).

High, narrow palate

Dental crowding

How is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type managed?

Treatment is based on a persons specic set of symptoms. Options include:

Physical therapy/rehabilitation

Assistive devices, such as braces to improve joint stability; wheelchair or scooter to take stress
o lower-extremity joints; and suitable mattress to improve sleep quality

Pain medication to help relieve joint pain

Surgical procedures should be considered with caution

What is the life expectancy of someone with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility

type?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type does not aect life expectancy.

Do you have questions? Would you like more information?

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